Spotlight on The Oscars: WGHS Highlights The 2026 Academy Awards

(Image by The Gold Knight)

On March 15, 2026, the 98th Academy Awards took place, celebrating the previous year’s successes and honoring filmography that came out a cut above the rest. WGHS shares the latest from the awards and who took home the biggest honors of the year.
by Julie Bohannon

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan was awarded Best Actor for his portrayal of Smoke and Stack in Sinners. Jordan shouted out other prominent Black actors who came before him and "paved the way," naming icons such as Jamie Foxx and Will Smith. Jordan also dedicated the award to his family, namely his mother, who has been with him through most of his acting career. Jordan played the roles of both twin brothers for which he won Best Actor, offering a riveting performance that earned him this trophy. “I know you guys want me to do well, and I want to do that because you guys bet on me," Jordan said during his speech. "So thank you for keeping... for keeping betting on me. And I’m gonna keep stepping up.” Sourced From: Elle

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley was awarded the title of Best Actress for her starring role in the film Hamnet, a screen adaptation of the novel centered on Shakespeare’s family. Buckley is the first Irish actress to receive an Oscar for Best Actress, and she happily said in her acceptance speech, “It’s Mother’s Day in the UK today, so I’d like to dedicate this to the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.” Sourced From: Town & Country

Best Song: “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters
EJAE gladly accepted the award for Best Song for her performance of “Golden” from the film in which she starred as the singing voice for HUNTR/X’s Rumi in K-Pop Demon Hunters. “Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, and now everyone is singing our song,” said a tearful EJAE while accepting the award. This marks the first time a song from the K-pop industry has ever won an Oscar, bringing much joy to fans worldwide. Sourced From: Billboard

Best Film: One Battle After Another
One Battle After Another was awarded Best Picture, telling the riveting story of a nerve-wracked revolutionary and his daughter. Winning six awards total, the film’s director, Paul Thomas Anderson, said during his acceptance speech, “What a night... You guys, let’s have a martini.” It was a celebratory moment of pride for his first-ever Oscar wins. Anderson had been nominated several times before but had never won; it was a truly wonderful night full of firsts for the director. Sourced From: The Hollywood Reporter

Other Awards: Additional honors were given for Makeup and Hairstyling, Costume Design, and Production Design to Frankenstein; Best Animated Film to K-Pop Demon Hunters; and Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash.

​It was a remarkable night that will surely be remembered for its many historic milestones.